Book Reviews

Book Review: Pirate Treasure

A cursed treasure chest transports Ethan and Dallin from their modern lives onto a ship in the New World. Not just any ship, a merchant vessel transformed into a renegade pirate ship that same morning.

Mistaken as thieves, the brothers must use their wits and humor to navigate the dark secrets of the brig, survive walking the plank, learn how to talk, fight and hurl insults like a pirate (along with the rest of the clueless crew), and solve the mystery that turned Captain Black Bart into a wannabe pirate.

But even if they can save the pirates from themselves, can they unravel the curse that brought them here, and then figure out how to get back home?

The first in a series of comical adventures scattered across history. From the New World to the Great Wall of China, the Traveling Trunk Adventures are sure to capture the imagination, free the spirit of adventure, and tickle the funny bone of every reader, young and old alike.

–From Goodreads


Cover Inspection:
Perfect for the children that it’s aimed at!

First Thoughts:
These boys have the coolest room ever!

***

My Review:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I admire writers that aim their books at Middle Grade children. Writing for this age is difficult because it is crucial that the book resonates with them. It needs to be interesting, it needs to be funny, and most of all it needs to be challenging enough to make them feel like they are growing as readers! Then , when you add in the hardest market to target, which is the boys at this age, that’s on a whole other level. When I find books that perfectly fit all of these things I fall instantly in love.

Therefore it is fair to say that I am officially in love with Pirate Treasure! Benjamin Flinders has created a book series that perfectly matches the Middle Grade age groups, and is just pure pleasure to read. There are silly jokes, there are fun characters, and the illustrations just bring it all together into one delicious book package! The two main characters, Dillon and Ethan, are so sweet and imaginative. I was enamored with the book from the beginning, simply because these two boys were so enjoyable to read about. Yes, I’ll admit that I found myself chuckling at this book. If I laughed, doesn’t that mean kids will? This book screams FUN, and I know kids will answer.

As I said before, the hardest readers to target are those young boys. I’ve worked with kids for over 10 years now, and it never ceases to amaze me how difficult it is to find books that boys will enjoy. Pirate Treasure ties up a great story, fabulous illustrations, and kid sized jokes all into one package. These are books that I know for a fact the boys in my class would enjoy, if for no other reason than that they can connect with the two male protagonists. With pirate names like Darren Deeds and Tough Cooky, how could you go wrong? I recommend this book to all parents out there with young kids, all lovers of pirates, and all of you who are young at heart!

Book Details
Title: Pirate Treasure (Traveling Trunk Adventure #1)
Author: Benjamin Flinders
Publisher: Flinders Press
Pages: Hardcover; 121
Source: Received by publisher for review.


Final Rating: 5 Keys to My Heart

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